New Degree at ERAU-Worldwide: The Master of Science in Unmanned Systems

I'm pleased to announce the availability of a new unmanned systems degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, the Master of Science in Unmanned Systems, starting this Fall (2014). This exciting new program represents the first graduate degree with an emphasis on examining the application, policy-making, and management of unmanned systems (air, space, ground, and maritime), associated technology, processes, and methods. The degree will be available in all of ERAU-Worldwide's instructional modalities (e.g., classroom, online, EagleVision, and blended). The following program descriptions contains the details of the new 36 credit program, which will feature flexible course options to support the unique goals and needs of each  student.

The Master of Science in Unmanned Systems (MSUS) degree program will provide students with an education focused on gaining and applying knowledge necessary for success within the unmanned systems industry. The educational focus is anticipated to support the growth, innovative development, and effective use of unmanned system technology across the respective domains to address major challenges within the industry, which include interoperability, autonomy, airspace integration, communications, education and training, propulsion and power, teaming, and regulation. Professionals with the ability to identify trends, analyze requirements, develop strategies, recommend solutions, recognize opportunities for innovation, and clearly communicate from a rich knowledge and experience base will be valuable contributors, essential to the success of the developing industry in the global market. Students will be provided an opportunity to select combinations of advisor approved courses individually or from specified concentrations, including unmanned aerospace systems (UAS), aeronautics and design, human factors, space systems, safety/emergency response, operations, education, aviation/aerospace management, and aviation/aerospace research. The selection of topical relevant electives is anticipated to provide the flexibility to tailor the education to the requirements and goals of each student, while retaining continuity with the overall goal of the degree to address the growing and dynamic needs of the industry. The MSUS will provide an interactive learning environment to acquire and apply knowledge, work in independent and team settings, communicate across a geographically and experientially diverse population, and assume leadership roles, which represent the fundamental skills necessary to establish or advance a successful career in today’s competitive and collaborative working environment.

I have been serving as the Program Chair of this new degree since December, when I transitioned from my role as Associate Chair of the Master of Aeronautical Science degree and began the research, development, and proposal efforts in support of the degree. Please feel free to contact me with any questions relating to this new degree and check back for updates.

6 May 2014 Update: The webpage for the MSUS degree is now available: http://worldwide.erau.edu/degrees-programs/programs/masters/unmanned-systems/index.html

FY14 Real World Design Challenge-Kickoff Announcement

Today, I had the honor of representing Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)-Worldwide at the FY14 Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) State Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Challenge Announcement in Washington, DC. We met with leaders from academia and industry, program supporters, and student participants to present the details of this year's challenge (design of a UAS to support precision agriculture using a systems engineering approach). The level of excitement from all those involved was high, while the identified focus of the challenge was well received (read about the challenge details here).

Earlier this year, RWDC asked ERAU-Worldwide to develop the FY14 challenge. Recognizing the opportunity to contribute to the furthering of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, our leadership agreed and made the necessary assets available. Over the last couple months I have worked with and led a diverse team of colleagues from ERAU-Worldwide, Sinclair Community College (SCC), and the RWDC Technical Team to establish the design and associated background details of the challenge. Thanks to the exceptional hardwork, dedication, and support from all those involved, we were able to create a highly relevant and interactive experience for the student teams. By participating in this challenge, the students will have an opportunity to gain a wide exposure to engineering, design, and business concepts, while they work in collaborative team environments.

I look forward to our continued involvement in the coming months as we lead a series of webinar discussions covering the background details of the respective challenge areas, including the composition and operation of UAS designs, basic aeronautical and engineering design principles, the application of UAS for precision agriculture, creation of a business case, and challenge design tools. I'm also excited about our role to develop both the National challenge component of this year's competition (judging occurs November 2014) and the subsequent design challenge scenarios in the years to come. Competitions such as RWDC offer an amazing opportunity to introduce students to exciting educational focus areas (i.e., major and minors of study) and career fields that they otherwise may never have exposure to. It is through participation in collaborative exercises promoting creative thinking, innovation, leadership, and communication that students will build the priceless experiences that serve as guides on the path to success. For more detail regarding this year's challenge, please visit the RWDC Getting Started page. To read about the announcement, check out the ERAU-Worldwide news release.

Members of the ERAU RWDC Design Team with RWDC and ERAU-Worldwide Leadership. Left to right, Dr. Brian Sanders (ERAU), Anthony Coppola (RWDC), Dr. Ken Witcher (ERAU, Dean, College of Aeronautics), Dr. Ralph Coppola (RWDC), Dr. John Watret (ERAU, Chancellor, Worldwide), Dr. Brent Terwilliger (ERAU), Dr. Andrew Shepherd (SCC), and Dr. Adeel Khalid (ERAU).